Ohio permit test cheat sheet

Ohio-specific rules from our question bank, condensed to one line each with the handbook page. Read it the night before; don’t use it instead of practicing.

Study sheet for before your test. Notes aren’t allowed in the DMV test room. See the study sheets to print.

Test format
40 questions
Passing score
30 of 40 correct (75%)
Permit and test fees
$26.50 total
Minimum age for a permit
15 years, 6 months
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Hold your permit
6 months minimum

Permits & licensing

  • In Ohio you may take the vision screening and the knowledge test once you are 15 years and six months old. source
  • Ohio's knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you need 75% to pass, which means at least 30 correct answers. source
  • If you fail the knowledge test in Ohio, you must wait one day before trying again. source
  • You must buy your TIPIC at a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days of passing. source
  • Before age 16, an Ohio TIPIC holder may drive only with a parent, guardian, custodian, licensed driving instructor, or a person 21 or older acting in loco parentis (in place of a parent) in the front passenger seat. source
  • From 16 to 17, a TIPIC holder may practice with any licensed driver 21 or older, except between midnight and 6 a.m. source
  • Drivers under 21 must log 50 hours with an eligible licensed driver, and at least 10 of those hours must be at night. source
  • Ohio drivers under 21 must finish a course at a licensed driver training school with 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time. source
  • Drivers under 18 must hold the TIPIC for at least six months before they can get a license. source
  • A parent or guardian who co-signs is jointly and severally liable with the minor for damages from negligent or willful driving until the minor turns 18. source
  • During the first 12 months of holding a license, Ohio drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. unless with a parent or guardian, or driving to or from work, school, or religious events with documentation. source
  • After the first 12 months, an Ohio driver under 18 may not drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or driving to or from work, school, or religious events with documentation. source
  • During the first 12 months, a driver under 18 may not carry more than one non-family member as a passenger unless a parent or guardian is in the car. source
  • Applicants under 21 who fail the driving test must wait two days before retesting. source

Laws, points & insurance

  • Ohio requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. source
  • Drivers or owners in a crash with more than $400 in property damage must show proof of insurance. source
  • Ohio lets you meet the minimum liability requirement with an insurance policy, a personal liability bond, or a $30,000 deposit with the Registrar along with proof of no unsatisfied judgments. source
  • At six points within two years, the BMV mails a six-point warning letter. source
  • Reaching 12 or more points in two years triggers a 12-point suspension. source
  • Ohio assigns 6 points for failing to stop and disclose your identity after a crash and other serious actions. source
  • For drivers under 18, two moving violations bring an automatic three-month suspension and three bring a one-year suspension. source
  • Driving while suspended is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio, with a fine of up to $1,000 and a possible extra one-year suspension. source
  • If you have a weapon in the vehicle, inform the officer upon first contact. source